Block 19 is used to provide explanations for certain modifiers. When modifier 99 is used in block 24D, where is the explanation placed?

Block 19 is used to provide explanations for certain modifiers. When modifier 99 is used in block 24D, where is the explanation placed?

• A. Explanation for when modifier 99 is used in block 24D (e.g., 99 = 52 80 LT).
• B. The payer's contact number.
• C. The date of service.
• D. The patient's social security number.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that Block 19 is the place for narrative explanations of modifiers used in the claim. When modifier 99 is entered in Block 24D to signal that multiple modifiers apply to the same service, you would put the explanation in Block 19. For example, you might write “99 = 52 80 LT” in Block 19 to show which modifiers the 99 stands for. The other options aren’t used for explaining modifiers: the payer’s contact number, the date of service, or the patient’s social security number are not the fields designated for modifier explanations.

The key idea is that Block 19 is the place for narrative explanations of modifiers used in the claim. When modifier 99 is entered in Block 24D to signal that multiple modifiers apply to the same service, you would put the explanation in Block 19. For example, you might write “99 = 52 80 LT” in Block 19 to show which modifiers the 99 stands for. The other options aren’t used for explaining modifiers: the payer’s contact number, the date of service, or the patient’s social security number are not the fields designated for modifier explanations.